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Overview

Understanding Syntax provides a complete introduction to the syntax of human languages. Assuming no prior knowledge of linguistics whatever, the book presents all the major terms and concepts essential to the study of sentence structure. Starting with the basics, it explains why we need to look at languages other than English, and guidance is given as to how to make use of examples from other languages. Chapter by chapter, the central concepts are introduced, looking first at word classes such as 'noun' and 'verb' and grammatical categories such as 'finiteness' and 'case', then moving on to simple sentences and subordination, head words and their dependents, and constituent structure.

What People Are Saying

From the Publisher

'Tallerman's strongly comparative approach to introducing the basic concepts of syntax has materialised in a very readable and interesting book...Understanding Syntax is an absolute pleasure to read, thanks to its casual, down-to-earth style. It is user-friendly and accessible, and takes its readers seriously'

Glot International

'Tallerman's Understanding Syntax, now in its third, revised, expanded and improved edition, is ...a very accessible, step-by-step introduction to the scientific study of syntax, which not only presents the major concepts and categories associated with this branch of linguistics but also addresses some more advanced issues...'
LINGUIST List (23.1781)

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"The fourth edition of Understanding Syntax is a thorough and accessible introduction to the major syntactic concepts and constructions in the world's languages. It is one of the most versatile textbooks I have ever encountered: it provides a solid basis in syntactic typology and theory in a friendly and informal style that works very well for students with no background in linguistics, while also being an eye-opener for students who have studied some syntax but are aware only of patterns and categories that are familiar from European languages. This textbook should be on the reading list for all introductory syntax courses."

Mary Dalrymple, Oxford University, UK

"This new edition is just as sparklingly written as ever; it gives students a real flavour of the richness of the syntax of human languages, as well as a clear, engaging explanation of the fundamental concepts needed to understand this core aspect of language."

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